1
|
Fertility Control for Wildlife: A European Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030428. [PMID: 36766317 PMCID: PMC9913817 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Trends of human population growth and landscape development in Europe show that wildlife impacts are escalating. Lethal methods, traditionally employed to mitigate these impacts, are often ineffective, environmentally hazardous and face increasing public opposition. Fertility control is advocated as a humane tool to mitigate these impacts. This review describes mammalian and avian wildlife contraceptives' effect on reproduction of individuals and populations, delivery methods, potential costs and feasibility of using fertility control in European contexts. These contexts include small, isolated wildlife populations and situations in which lethal control is either illegal or socially unacceptable, such as urban settings, national parks and areas where rewilding occurs. The review highlights knowledge gaps, such as impact of fertility control on recruitment, social and spatial behaviour and on target and non-target species, provides a decision framework to assist decisions about the potential use of wildlife fertility control, and suggests eight reasons for Europe to invest in this area. Although developing and registering contraceptives in Europe will have substantial costs, these are relatively small when compared to wildlife's economic and environmental impact. Developing safe and effective contraceptives will be essential if European countries want to meet public demand for methods to promote human-wildlife coexistence.
Collapse
|
2
|
French H, Segabinazzi L, Middlebrooks B, Peterson E, Schulman M, Roth R, Crampton M, Conan A, Marchi S, Gilbert T, Knobel D, Bertschinger H. Efficacy and Safety of Native and Recombinant Zona Pellucida Immunocontraceptive Vaccines Formulated with Non-Freund's Adjuvants in Donkeys. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1999. [PMID: 36560409 PMCID: PMC9788400 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10121999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to test zona pellucida (ZP) vaccines’ immunocontraceptive efficacy and safety when formulated with non-Freund’s adjuvant (6% Pet Gel A and 500 Μg Poly(I:C)). Twenty-four jennies were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: reZP (n = 7) received three doses of recombinant ZP vaccine; pZP (n = 9) received two doses of native porcine ZP; and Control group (n = 8) received two injections of placebo. Jennies were monitored weekly via transrectal ultrasonography and blood sampling for serum progesterone profiles and anti-pZP antibody titres. In addition, adverse effects were inspected after vaccination. Thirty-five days after the last treatment, jacks were introduced to each group and rotated every 28 days. Vaccination with both pZP and reZP was associated with ovarian shutdown in 44% (4/9) and 71% (4/7) of jennies, 118 ± 33 and 91 ± 20 days after vaccination, respectively (p > 0.05). Vaccination delayed the chances of a jenny becoming pregnant (p = 0.0005; Control, 78 ± 31 days; pZP, 218 ± 69 days; reZP, 244 ± 104 days). Anti-pZP antibody titres were elevated in all vaccinated jennies compared to Control jennies (p < 0.05). In addition, only mild local injection site reactions were observed in the jennies after treatment. In conclusion, ZP vaccines formulated with non-Freund’s adjuvant effectively controlled reproduction in jennies with only minor localised side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilari French
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Lorenzo Segabinazzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Brittany Middlebrooks
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Erik Peterson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Martin Schulman
- Veterinary Population Management Laboratory, Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Robyn Roth
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria 0184, South Africa
| | - Michael Crampton
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria 0184, South Africa
| | - Anne Conan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Silvia Marchi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Trevor Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Darryn Knobel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Henk Bertschinger
- Veterinary Population Management Laboratory, Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gedir JV, Cain JW, Lubow BC, Karish T, Delaney DK, Roemer GW. Estimating Abundance and Simulating Fertility Control in a Feral Burro Population. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jay V. Gedir
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM 88003 USA
| | - James W. Cain
- U.S. Geological Survey, New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM 88003 USA
| | | | - Talesha Karish
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM 88003 USA
| | - David K. Delaney
- U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory Champaign IL 61826 USA
| | - Gary W. Roemer
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM 88003 USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Causes and consequences of lags in basic and applied research into feral wildlife ecology: the case for feral horses. Basic Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
5
|
French H, Peterson E, Schulman M, Roth R, Crampton M, Conan A, Marchi S, Knobel D, Bertschinger H. Efficacy and safety of native and recombinant zona pellucida immunocontraceptive vaccines in donkeys. Theriogenology 2020; 153:27-33. [PMID: 32417608 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Feral and semi-feral donkeys are recognised as a problem in some world regions. The main problem associated with uncontrolled donkey populations is habitat degradation and competition for feed resources, especially in arid climes. Controlling population numbers would reduce the impact of donkeys and other species. While removal by various means is effective, it has been shown to stimulate reproductive rate. Probably the most effective and humane solution is reducing reproduction using minimally invasive methods including immunocontraception. This study tested the immunocontraceptive efficacy and safety of zona pellucida (ZP) vaccines, both recombinant (reZP; three treatments) and native porcine (pZP; two treatments) vaccines formulated with Freund's modified complete (primary) and Freund's incomplete (boosters) adjuvants in donkey jennies. Control jennies received adjuvants only (two treatments). Twenty-five non-pregnant jennies were randomly assigned to reZP (n = 9), pZP (n = 8) or control (n = 8) groups. Weekly monitoring of the reproductive tract and ovaries via transrectal palpation and ultrasound and inspection of injection sites was conducted and anti-pZP antibody titers were measured. Five weeks after last treatment, one donkey jack was introduced to each group and rotated every 21 days. By 232 days after last treatment the number pregnant and median days to pregnancy was 2/9 and 214 (reZP group), 1/8 and 196 (pZP group) and 8/8 and 77 (control group). Median time to ovarian shut-down was 77 (9/9) and 56 (7/8) days for reZP and pZP groups, respectively. This was observed in association with a distinct reduction in mean uterine diameter. The antibody response was equally good for both ZP-treated groups. Incorporation of Freund's adjuvants initially produced a high incidence of side effects from local swelling and intermittent lameness followed weeks later by sterile abscesses (reZP, 9/9; pZP, 7/8; control, 3/8). Both ZP vaccines effectively controlled reproduction in jennies, albeit with a high incidence of adjuvant-associated side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilari French
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies.
| | - Erik Peterson
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies.
| | - Martin Schulman
- Veterinary Population Management Laboratory, Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Robyn Roth
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Michael Crampton
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Anne Conan
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies.
| | - Silvia Marchi
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies.
| | - Darryn Knobel
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Henk Bertschinger
- Veterinary Population Management Laboratory, Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fertility Control in Wildlife: Review of Current Status, Including Novel and Future Technologies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:507-543. [PMID: 31471808 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife conservation requires varying degrees of management of endangered species as well as management of their potential predators and competitors. Conservation also depends on ameliorating human-wildlife conflict, especially where there is a threat to the safety of people and of their pets and livestock. In addition, sustainability of wildlife populations can be affected by feral domestic animals or invasive species, that require removal or control. With the increasing concern for animal welfare, non-lethal methods of limiting population size and distribution, such as fertility control, are gaining favor. Breeding programs in zoos depend on highly effective and selective contraception to manage sustainable insurance populations. This review covers fertility control methods currently in use, those that have not lived up to past promises, and others that are under development and present hope for addressing remaining challenges.
Collapse
|
7
|
Hobbs RJ, Hinds LA. Could current fertility control methods be effective for landscape-scale management of populations of wild horses (Equus caballus) in Australia? WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr17136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Fertility control is seen as an attractive alternative to lethal methods for control of population size and genetic diversity in managed animal populations. Immunocontraceptive vaccines have emerged as the most promising agents for inducing long-term infertility in individual animals. However, after over 20 years of scientific testing of immunocontraceptive vaccines in the horse, the scientific consensus is that their application as a sole management approach for reducing population size is not an effective strategy.
Aims
The purpose of this review is to evaluate currently available non-lethal fertility-control methods that have been tested for their contraceptive efficacy in Equidae, and to assess their suitability for effective management of wild (feral) horses in an Australian setting.
Key results
(1) Fertility-control agents, particularly injectable immunocontraceptive vaccines based on porcine zona pellucida (PZP) or gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), can induce multi-year infertility (up to 3 years) in the horse. Some formulations require annual or biennial booster treatments. Remote dart delivery (on foot) to horses is possible, although the efficacy of this approach when applied to large numbers of animals is yet to be determined. (2) The proportion of females that must be treated with a fertility-control agent, as well as the frequency of treatment required to achieve defined management outcomes (i.e. halting population growth in the short term and reducing population size in the long term) is likely to be >50% per annum. In national parks, treatment of a large number of wild horses over such a broad area would be challenging and impractical. (3) Fertility control for wild horses could be beneficial, but only if employed in conjunction with other broad-scale population-control practices to achieve population reduction and to minimise environmental impacts.
Conclusions
In Australia, most populations of wild horses are large, dispersed over varied and difficult-to-access terrain, are timid to approach and open to immigration and introductions. These factors make accessing and effectively managing animals logistically difficult. If application of fertility control could be achieved in more than 50% of the females, it could be used to slow the rate of increase in a population to zero (2–5 years), but it will take more than 10–20 years before population size will begin to decline without further intervention. Thus, use of fertility control as the sole technique for halting population growth is not feasible in Australia.
Collapse
|
8
|
Hampton JO, Hyndman TH, Barnes A, Collins T. Is Wildlife Fertility Control Always Humane? Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:1047-71. [PMID: 26506395 PMCID: PMC4693202 DOI: 10.3390/ani5040398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigation of fertility control techniques to reduce reproductive rates in wildlife populations has been the source of much research. Techniques targeting wildlife fertility have been diverse. Most research into fertility control methods has focused upon efficacy, with few studies rigorously assessing animal welfare beyond opportunistic anecdote. However, fertility control techniques represent several very different mechanisms of action (modalities), each with their own different animal welfare risks. We provide a review of the mechanisms of action for fertility control methods, and consider the role of manipulation of reproductive hormones ("endocrine suppression") for the long-term ability of animals to behave normally. We consider the potential welfare costs of animal manipulation techniques that are required to administer fertility treatments, including capture, restraint, surgery and drug delivery, and the requirement for repeated administration within the lifetime of an animal. We challenge the assumption that fertility control modalities generate similar and desirable animal welfare outcomes, and we argue that knowledge of reproductive physiology and behaviour should be more adeptly applied to wild animal management decisions. We encourage wildlife managers to carefully assess long-term behavioural risks, associated animal handling techniques, and the importance of positive welfare states when selecting fertility control methods as a means of population control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan O Hampton
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch 6150, Australia.
| | - Timothy H Hyndman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch 6150, Australia.
| | - Anne Barnes
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch 6150, Australia.
| | - Teresa Collins
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch 6150, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Massei G, Cowan D. Fertility control to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts: a review. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2014. [DOI: 10.1071/wr13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
As human populations grow, conflicts with wildlife increase. Concurrently, concerns about the welfare, safety and environmental impacts of conventional lethal methods of wildlife management restrict the options available for conflict mitigation. In parallel, there is increasing interest in using fertility control to manage wildlife. The present review aimed at analysing trends in research on fertility control for wildlife, illustrating developments in fertility-control technologies and delivery methods of fertility-control agents, summarising the conclusions of empirical and theoretical studies of fertility control applied at the population level and offering criteria to guide decisions regarding the suitability of fertility control to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts. The review highlighted a growing interest in fertility control for wildlife, underpinned by increasing numbers of scientific studies. Most current practical applications of fertility control for wild mammals use injectable single-dose immunocontraceptive vaccines mainly aimed at sterilising females, although many of these vaccines are not yet commercially available. One oral avian contraceptive, nicarbazin, is commercially available in some countries. Potential new methods of remote contraceptive delivery include bacterial ghosts, virus-like particles and genetically modified transmissible and non-transmissible organisms, although none of these have yet progressed to field testing. In parallel, new species-specific delivery systems have been developed. The results of population-level studies of fertility control indicated that this approach may increase survival and affect social and spatial behaviour of treated animals, although the effects are species- and context-specific. The present studies suggested that a substantial initial effort is generally required to reduce population growth if fertility control is the sole wildlife management method. However, several empirical and field studies have demonstrated that fertility control, particularly of isolated populations, can be successfully used to limit population growth and reduce human–wildlife conflicts. In parallel, there is growing recognition of the possible synergy between fertility control and disease vaccination to optimise the maintenance of herd immunity in the management of wildlife diseases. The review provides a decision tree that can be used to determine whether fertility control should be employed to resolve specific human–wildlife conflicts. These criteria encompass public consultation, considerations about animal welfare and feasibility, evaluation of population responses, costs and sustainability.
Collapse
|
10
|
Karakuş F, Yılmaz A, Hakan B, Stormo K, Ülker H. The Effectiveness of recombinant OL fusion protein (ovalbumin-LHRH-7) in suppressing reproductive functions when injected in single-dose vaccination protocols with different adjuvants. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 138:228-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Revised: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
11
|
McLaughlin EA, Aitken RJ. Is there a role for immunocontraception? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 335:78-88. [PMID: 20412833 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The world's population is continuing to grow at an alarming rate and yet no novel methods of contraception have been introduced since 1960s. The paucity of our current contraceptive armoury is indicated by the 46 million abortions that are performed each year, largely in developing countries where population growth is greatest. Thus, whatever new forms of fertility control we develop for the next millennium, the particular needs of developing countries should be borne in mind. Contraceptive vaccines have the potential to provide safe, effective, prolonged, reversible protection against pregnancy in a form that can be easily administered in the Third World. In this review we consider the contraceptive targets that might be pursued, how vaccines might be engineered and the problems generated by inter-individual variations in antibody titre. We conclude that the specifications for a safe, effective, reversible vaccine are more likely to be met in animals than man.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E A McLaughlin
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
FAGERSTONE KA, MILLER LA, KILLIAN G, YODER CA. Review of issues concerning the use of reproductive inhibitors, with particular emphasis on resolving human-wildlife conflicts in North America. Integr Zool 2010; 5:15-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-4877.2010.00185.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
Cui X, Duckworth JA, Molinia FC, Cowan PE. Identification and evaluation of an infertility-associated ZP3 epitope from the marsupial brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Vaccine 2010; 28:1499-505. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2008] [Revised: 11/10/2009] [Accepted: 11/22/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
14
|
Lapidge SJ, Eason CT, Humphrys ST. A review of chemical, biological and fertility control options for the camel in Australia. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/rj09033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Since their introduction to Australia in 1840 the one-humped camel, Camelus dromedarius, has gone from the colonist’s companion to a conservationist’s conundrum in the fragile arid ecosystems of Australia. Current management techniques are failing to curb present population growth and alternatives must be sought. This review assess the applicability of currently registered and developmental vertebrate pesticides and fertility control agents for camel control, as well as examining the potential usefulness of known C. dromedarius diseases for biological control. Not surprisingly, little is known about the lethality of most vertebrate pesticides used in Australia to camels. More has been published on adverse reactions to pharmaceuticals used in agriculture and the racing industry. An examination of the literature on C. dromedarius diseases, such as camel pox virus, contagious ecthyma and papillomatosis, indicates that the infections generally result in high morbidity but not necessarily mortality and this alone may not justify their consideration for use in Australia. The possibility exists that other undiscovered or unstudied biological control agents from other camilid species may offer greater potential for population control. As a long-lived species the camel is also not ideally suited to fertility control. Notwithstanding, anti-fertility agents may have their place in preventing the re-establishment of camel populations once they have been reduced through mechanical, biological or chemical means. Delivery of any generic chemical or fertility control agent will, however, require a species-tailored pathway and an appropriate large-scale deployment method. Accordingly, we put forward avenues of investigation to yield improved tools for camel control.
Collapse
|
15
|
Gray ME, Thain DS, Cameron EZ, Miller LA. Multi-year fertility reduction in free-roaming feral horses with single-injection immunocontraceptive formulations. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/wr09175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context. Contraception is increasingly used as a management technique to reduce fertility in wildlife populations; however, the feasibility of contraceptive formulations has been limited until recently because they have required multiple treatments to achieve prolonged infertility. Aims. We tested the efficacy and evaluated potential side effects of two contraceptive formulations, a porcine zona pellucida (PZP) formulation, SpayVac® and a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) formulation GonaCon-B™, in a population of free-roaming feral horses (Equus caballus). Both formulations were developed to provide several years of infertility with one injection. Methods. Females were treated in June 2005 with either GonaCon-B (n = 24), SpayVac (n = 20), adjuvant only (n = 22), or received no injection (n = 18). Females were monitored for fertility status year round for 3 years after treatment. Key results. Both contraceptive treatments significantly reduced fertility for 3 years. Fertility rates for GonaCon-B mares were 39%, 42% and 31%, respectively, and 37%, 50% and 44% for SpayVac mares. During the same seasons, 61%, 67% and 76% of control females were fertile. We found no significant effects from contraceptive treatment on the sex ratio of foals, birthing season or foal survival. Conclusions. These results demonstrated that both vaccines are capable of significantly reducing fertility for several years without boosters. Implications. Contraceptive vaccines examined in the present study represent a useful tool for the management of feral horses, because of their being efficacious for 3 years in the absence of booster immunisations.
Collapse
|
16
|
Vaccines for immunological control of fertility. Reprod Med Biol 2009; 9:61-71. [PMID: 29699331 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-009-0042-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2009] [Accepted: 11/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines have been proposed as one of the strategies for population control. Immunocontraceptive vaccines can be designed to inhibit: (1) production of gametes (sperm and egg); (2) functions of gametes, leading to blocking of fertilization; and (3) gamete outcome (pregnancy). Immunization with gonadotropin-releasing hormone coupled to different carriers has shown curtailment in the production of sperm with concomitant infertility in various species. Immunization of nonhuman primates and men with ovine follicle stimulating hormone has also resulted in reduced sperm output. Various spermatozoa-specific proteins such as FA1, PH-20, LDH-C4, SP-10, SP-17, sp56, SPAG9, and Izumo have been proposed as candidate antigens to develop contraceptive vaccines, which have shown efficacy in inhibiting fertility in different animal models. Immunization with zona pellucida glycoproteins-based immunogens also results in curtailment of fertility in a variety of species. However, ways to overcome the observed oophoritis associated with zona proteins immunization have yet to be discovered, a necessary step before their proposal for control of human population. Nonetheless, this is a very promising approach to control wildlife animal population. Phase II clinical trials of β-human chorionic gonadotropin-based vaccine in women have established the proof of principle that it is possible to inhibit fertility without any untoward side-effects by vaccination. Further scientific inputs are required to increase the efficacy of contraceptive vaccines and establish their safety beyond doubt, before they can become applicable for control of fertility in humans.
Collapse
|
17
|
The practical side of immunocontraception: zona proteins and wildlife. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 83:151-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.06.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2008] [Revised: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
18
|
Holland OJ, Cowan PE, Gleeson DM, Duckworth JA, Chamley LW. MHC haplotypes and response to immunocontraceptive vaccines in the brushtail possum. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 82:57-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2009] [Revised: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
19
|
Killian G, Thain D, Diehl NK, Rhyan J, Miller L. Four-year contraception rates of mares treated with single-injection porcine zona pellucida and GnRH vaccines and intrauterine devices. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2008. [DOI: 10.1071/wr07134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the multiyear contraceptive efficacy of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine GonaCon, the porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccine SpayVac and the human intrauterine device (IUD) 380 Copper ‘T’ in mustang mares provided by the State of Nevada. Eight untreated control mares were compared with 12 mares treated with SpayVac, 16 mares treated with GonaCon and 15 mares treated with the copper-containing IUD. Rates of contraception for Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively for SpayVac were 100% (12 of 12), 83% (10 of 12), 83% (10 of 12) and 83% (10 of 12), rates for GonaCon were 94% (15 of 16), 60% (9 of 15), 60% (9 of 15) and 40% (6 of 15) and rates for IUD-treated mares were 80% (12 of 15), 29% (4 of 14),14% (2 of 14) and 0% (0 of 14). Antibody titres against PZP and GnRH declined over the four-year study. For mares given SpayVac, uterine oedema was commonly observed. IUDs were visible by ultrasonography in non-pregnant mustang mares, suggesting that pregnant mares did not retain their IUD. IUD retention may be a function of uterine size: pony mares with IUDs had high retention and contraception rates for 4–5 years. We conclude that long-term contraception of mustang mares with a single shot of either the SpayVac or GonaCon vaccine is possible.
Collapse
|
20
|
Grignard E, Cadet R, Saez F, Drevet JR, Vernet P. Identification of sperm antigens as a first step towards the generation of a contraceptive vaccine to decrease fossorial water vole Arvicola terrestris Scherman proliferations. Theriogenology 2007; 68:779-95. [PMID: 17645936 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2006] [Revised: 05/23/2007] [Accepted: 06/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Immunocontraceptive strategies have proved to be efficient in controlling fertility of various mammalian species. In the present study we have made the first steps towards the identification of Arvicola terrestris sperm antigens that could be used as targets in the development of a contraceptive vaccine to limit the proliferations of this pest rodent. Rabbit-raised polyclonal antisera directed against complete A. terrestris spermatozoa were used to identify and characterize on 2D-gels coupled with a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis A. terrestris sperm proteins. Amongst the proteins pinpointed by this approach some were further investigated based on their tissue- and/or sperm-specific expression, and their relevance to fertility or sperm/egg interaction. In parallel, three proteins that have been already reported in the literature to be appropriate targets for the development of contraceptive vaccines in other mammalian species have also been looked for in A. terrestris. With the selected protein targets, a reverse-PCR approach using degenerate primers was employed to amplify corresponding A. terrestris cDNAs. After conceptual translation and sequence alignment, different proteins were studied to determine zones with sufficient sequence divergence and of antigenic/immunogenic nature that could be used in future assays to immunize animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Grignard
- Laboratoire Epididyme & Maturation des Gamètes, Université Blaise Pascal, UMR CNRS 6547-GEEM, 24 avenue des Landais, 63177, Aubière Cedex, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Duckworth JA, Wilson K, Cui X, Molinia FC, Cowan PE. Immunogenicity and contraceptive potential of three infertility-relevant zona pellucida 2 epitopes in the marsupial brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Reproduction 2007; 133:177-86. [PMID: 17244744 DOI: 10.1530/rep-06-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In a previous study, three infertility-relevant epitopes of possum ZP2 (Pep12 (amino acids 111–125), Pep31 (amino acids 301–315), and Pep44 (amino acids 431–445)) were identified using sera from possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) immunized with recombinant possum zona pellucida 2 (ZP2) constructs, and a synthetic peptide library of possum ZP2 protein. In this study, the three peptides were conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and 300 μg of each conjugated peptide were administered subcutaneously to female possums (n = 20 per peptide) in complete Freund’s adjuvant. Immunogen doses were repeated 3 and 6 weeks later using incomplete Freund’s adjuvant. Control animals were immunized with either phosphate-buffered saline only (n = 10) or 300 μg keyhole limpet hemocyanin (n = 10), administered with the same adjuvants. Serum antibodies from animals immunized against these three epitopes bound to the corresponding possum ZP2 peptides, recombinant possum ZP2 protein constructs, and native zona. Possum fertility was assessed following superovulation and artificial insemination. Peptides Pep12 and Pep31 had no significant effects on fertility parameters (P > 0.05). However, animals immunized with Pep44 had lower egg fertilization rates (immunized 19.5% versus control 60.5%, P < 0.05) and produced significantly fewer embryos than control animals (immunized 0.5 embryos versus control 2.4 embryos, P < 0.05). The number of Pep44-immunized females that produced embryos was reduced by 64%. Identification and characterization of possum infertility-relevant epitopes on possum ZP2 protein will assist development of safe, humane, and possum-specific immunocontraceptive vaccines for controlling the introduced possums in New Zealand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine A Duckworth
- National Research Centre for Possum Biocontrol at Landcare Research, PO Box 40, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cooper DW, Larsen E. Immunocontraception of mammalian wildlife: ecological and immunogenetic issues. Reproduction 2006; 132:821-8. [PMID: 17127742 DOI: 10.1530/rep-06-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Immunocontraception involves stimulating immune responses against gametes or reproductive hormones thus preventing conception. The method is being developed for the humane control of pest and overabundant populations of mammalian wildlife. This paper examines three fundamental issues associated with its use: (1) the difficulties of obtaining responses to self-antigens, (2) the likely evolution of genetically based non-response to immunocontraceptive agents, and (3) the possible changes in the array of pathogens possessed by the target species after generations of immunocontraception. Our review of the literature demonstrates that the barriers to an effective immunocontraceptive are at present very basic. Should they be overcome, the effects of immunocontraception on the immunogenetic constitution of wildlife populations through the selection for non-responders must be examined. We suggest that the attempt to use the animal’s own immune system to modulate reproduction may be incompatible with the basic biological function of protection against infectious disease. Research programs on mammalian immunocontraception should involve measurement of the heritability of non-response and an assessment of the likely change in the response of the contracepted population to possible pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desmond W Cooper
- Australian and New Zealand Conservation Laboratories, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that each year between 8 and 10 million dogs and cats enter shelters and 4-5 million of these animals are euthanized due to lack of homes. Many veterinarians within the United States recommend surgical sterilization for population control in dogs and cats. However, there are non-surgical methods to control reproduction. Pharmacologic methods of contraception and sterilization can be safe, reliable and reversible. Hormonal treatments using progestins, androgens, or gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs act to either directly block reproductive hormone receptor-mediated events, or indirectly block conception via negative feedback mechanisms. Immunocontraception, via vaccination against GnRH, the luteinizing hormone receptor or zona pellucida proteins, is also possible. Intratesticular or intraepididymal injections provide a method for non-surgical sterilization of the male dog and cat. Additional methods have been employed for mechanical disruption of fertility including intravaginal and intrauterine devices and ultrasound testicular ablation. Alternative approaches to surgical sterilization will be reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kutzler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, 158 Magruder Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Risvanli A, Aydin M, Kaygusuzoglu E, Bulut H, Apaydin AM, Timurkan H. Use of cauda epididymis extract as immunocontraceptive. Contraception 2002; 66:459-62. [PMID: 12499040 DOI: 10.1016/s0010-7824(02)00406-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate use of a cauda epididymis extract (CEE) as an immunocontraceptive in rats. Twenty-two rats in puberty or 19 rats that gave birth once (primipara) were immunized with intraperitoneal (IP) injection of CEE. Rats in puberty received one or two injections of CEE containing 1.5 x 10(9) sperm/mL, while primipara rats received injections of CEE containing 3 x 10(6) sperm/mL up to three times. Animals were tested for the presence and concentration of anti-CEE antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and monitored for pregnancy following natural insemination. Results revealed that 38 (92.6%) of the 41 rats were positive for anti-CEE antibodies, regardless of animal type or immunization procedure. However, there was no relation between pregnancy rates and concentration of anti-CEE antibody in rats immunized with CEE. These results indicate that immune response against CEE may not play a major role in contraception in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Risvanli
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bromley C, Gese EM. Effects of sterilization on territory fidelity and maintenance, pair bonds, and survival rates of free-ranging coyotes. CAN J ZOOL 2001. [DOI: 10.1139/z00-212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Predation on sheep by coyotes (Canis latrans) is a longstanding problem for sheep producers. Current research suggests that surgical sterilization of coyotes could prove to be an effective method of reducing their depredation rates on domestic sheep by modifying their predatory behavior. However, for sterilization to be a viable management tool, the territorial and affiliative behaviors of pack members would need to remain in place. We tested whether surgically sterilized coyotes maintained pair bonds and territories in the same manner as intact coyotes. We also examined if territory fidelity and survival rates differed between sterile and intact coyotes. From June 1997 to April 2000, 10 males and 9 females were sham-operated and radio-collared, while 20 males and 6 females were surgically sterilized and radio-collared. We monitored members of 5 sterile and 4 intact packs during 1998, 6 sterile and 7 intact packs during 1999, and 4 sterile and 6 intact packs through the 2000 breeding season. Behaviorally, sterile packs appeared to be no different than intact packs. A half-weight association index showed that social dyads within sterile coyote packs were located together as frequently as dyads within intact packs. Simultaneous radiolocations of members of sterile packs showed that members of sterile packs were significantly closer to each other than would be expected from random locations. There was no difference in size or degree of overlap between territories of sterile and sham-operated coyote packs. Sterile coyotes had a higher annual survival rate than reproductive animals in 2 of the 3 years, and there was no difference in the level of territory fidelity. We concluded that surgical sterilization did not modify the territorial or affiliative behaviors of free-ranging coyotes, and therefore sterile coyotes could be used as a management tool to exclude other potential sheep-killing coyotes.
Collapse
|
26
|
Courchamp F, Cornell SJ. Virus-vectored immunocontraception to control feral cats on islands: a mathematical model. J Appl Ecol 2000. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2664.2000.00545.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
27
|
Miller LA, Johns BE, Killian GJ. Immunocontraception of white-tailed deer using native and recombinant zona pellucida vaccines. Anim Reprod Sci 2000; 63:187-95. [PMID: 10989229 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(00)00177-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a 2-year feasibility study with native porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccine and three recombinant rabbit zona pellucida vaccines (RC55, RC75a and a combination of RC55, RC75a and RC75b) as an initial phase of developing a recombinant immunocontraceptive vaccine to control reproduction in overpopulated herds of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Forty captive white-tailed does were divided into five groups (one sham and four treated), of eight each and injected with a 500microg prime dose of vaccine. Each prime dose was followed by a 300microg booster dose at 3-7 weeks post prime. The frequency and number of months of observed breeding were higher in PZP immunized does than in sham controls. Although the antibody titers of the three recombinant groups were 1000 or less, as compared with the PZP group with titers often over 128,000, the fawning rates of the two recombinants were significantly lower than that of the control group. The combined antigen group did not have a significantly lower fawning rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L A Miller
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Totzauer I, Kölle S, Sinowatz F, Plendl J, Amselgruber W, Töpfer-Petersen E. Localization of the zona glycoproteins ZPB (ZP3 alpha) and ZPC (ZP3 beta) in the bovine ovary during pre- and postnatal development. Ann Anat 1998; 180:37-43. [PMID: 9488904 DOI: 10.1016/s0940-9602(98)80128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of two zona pellucida gene families ZPB (ZP3 alpha) and ZPC (ZP3 beta). Sections of ovaries from bovine fetuses, calves and cows were labelled with polyclonal antibodies. Immunopositive labelling was found in both the follicle cells and the oocyte. Labelling was dependent on the stage of development. The specific sequence of immunopositive reactions suggests that in the bovine fetus both the ovary and the follicle cells contribute to the production of the zona pellucida during pre- and postnatal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Totzauer
- Lehrstuhl für Tieranatomie II, LMU München, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|